Jeep JK Wrangler

By 4X4 staff, 19 Dec 2012Custom 4x4s

There’s nothing stealth about this wicked Wrangler but a close look reveals some ingenious parts and clever engineering.

There’s nothing stealth about this wicked Wrangler but a close look reveals some ingenious parts and clever engineering.

Since its debut, Jeep’s JK Wrangler remains the ultimate off-road 4X4 that can be bought straight off the showroom floor. That’s thanks to its heavy-duty construction, live front and rear axles, coil spring suspension and the availability of front and rear locking diffs and swaybar disconnect on the Rubicon model. Yet enthusiasts always want more, and if having the most capable OEM vehicle doesn't cut it, there's a world of aftermarket equipment available for the JK to make it almost unstoppable. The amount of gear you can buy for Jeeps is incredibly extensive, as is the number of modification possibilities.

The traditional body-on-chassis construction of the Wrangler, combined with its removable roof, doors and windscreen make it a virtual Meccano set of the automotive world. Enthusiasts unbolt what the factory supplied, replacing it with kit from aftermarket companies - all in the name of tailoring their vehicle to their needs, desires and aspirations.

The number of companies producing stuff for the Wrangler is staggering. They make everything from seat covers and body bling to complete suspension systems and engine conversions. If you can think of it, it’s probably available. So how do companies continue to come up with new ideas for products; something that hasn’t been done before, that improves on what is already available and will appeal to consumers looking to modify their 4X4?

These are the issues facing the crew at US Jeep specialists, Metalcloak, when they develop their products. Sure, they offer all the usual heavy-duty parts for kitting-out your CJ, TJ or JK Wrangler for serious off-road use, including barwork, suspension, guard flares, rock rails and body protection, but these guys think outside the square when designing components as they aim to deliver something more than what other companies offer.